Happy world rum day, everyone!

Immiketoo: May I recommend to you a priceless history book of rum by Jeff Berry (aka as Beachbum Berry).This book is called Potions Of The Caribbean and he goes into tremendous detail about the origins of many classic Caribbean and Tiki drinks,. Tiki is sour and Caribbean is sweet., plain and simple.

I shall look it up immediately!

Immiketoo: If you ever get your hands on a bottle of Plantation OFTD (138 proof), the panel of the seven members who created this rum are pictured on the left side of the bottle. Beachbum Berry is pictured at the top. This panel sequestered themselves in a secret room during one of the Tales Of The Cocktail events in New Orleans and created this unique overproof rum.. Since the alcohol had hit them all pretty hard, they came up with the name of Oh Fuck That's Delicious. Since that could not be printed on the bottle, the more PC version became Old Fashioned Traditional Dark. This rum should be a constant staple in anyone's collection. I use overproof rum as a throat cleaner in this pandemic, and this OFTD is by far the best tasting one of all.

There is a bottle at my local pusher right now! Off to the store I go!

Immiketoo: I see that you got your bottle of Plantation OFTD and rated it as 9. This is a lot cheaper than the Ambassador and XO Insolent. This rum almost makes one wonder if spending the extra cash for a really good rum is worth it. I have my OFTD rated as an 8 and have been buying it for several years.

Paul, I rated as a nine because it’s that good. It ticks all my boxes, and costs a fraction of the others. Frankly, I don’t know whether to be happy or sad about that! I understand why people say taste vs cost in their reviews. While I’ll still try some of the more expensive rums, I’ll be looking to find true rums regardless of cost. So far, plantation has won me over twice!

Immiketoo: I agree with you that while you are still exploring cost is not the most important factor (as long as your pockets are deep enough) but it is, at least to me, a not unimportant factor with my re-buys. In my 'system' of trying out new rums I never start with expensive rums btw; I start with one of the cheaper offerings from a distiller or blender and if there is nothing of interest in their basic product I do not move up in the portfolio. For that reason for example both English Harbour and Plantation are done for the time being. For me it helps to use a system of sorts; I try to explore a certain style or island/country a little bit before moving on.

Harrie, that’s good advice. I am a little all over the place with my purchases right now, it I think I’ve tried enough to know where I should focus my efforts. I have always had the opposite mentality, but the best you can afford. Tools, cars, guitars, whatever. Perhaps I’ll try it your way on account of there being quite a few more rums available :)